Ghana’s state-owned fuel distributor, BOST Energies, has reduced fuel exports to Burkina Faso and Mali as rising domestic consumption puts pressure on supplies.
Managing Director of BOST Energies, Afetsi Awoonor, said the company had prioritised the Ghanaian market since August amid increased demand for diesel and gasoline.
Speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, September 16, Mr Awoonor said Burkina Faso received only half of the 80,000 metric tonnes of fuel it requested from BOST for July and August.
Mali, meanwhile, received 10,000 tonnes during the period, despite requesting an additional 40,000 tonnes for August and September.
The reductions, according to Mr Awoonor, reflect growing pressure on BOST’s supplies as economic activity and diesel consumption increase in Ghana.
BOST currently accounts for about 30 per cent of Ghana’s fuel market, while diesel makes up approximately two-thirds of its supplies.
“Supply is available, but it’s at a high cost,” Mr Awoonor said, noting that the sharp rise in demand had strained supplies and made it more difficult to maintain stable domestic fuel prices.
Ghana’s fuel prices increased earlier this year amid concerns over global supply conditions but have subsequently eased, supported by a stronger cedi and government measures.
Beyond petroleum products, BOST is also preparing to expand its presence in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market.
Mr Awoonor said the company plans to construct an LPG terminal in Tema by the fourth quarter of next year and commence the importation of cooking gas.
BOST also intends to establish an LPG storage facility in Kumasi to strengthen distribution, with terminals expected to be developed at six locations in phases.
